The exterior of your home is everything when it comes to durability, style, and energy efficiency. The roofing and siding, in particular, are two of the most crucial components. However, both of these can experience wear and tear over the years that will eventually lead to needing a replacement.
However, what if you can only invest in one? There are many constraints that may force you to choose one project over the other, and it can be tough to decide which one is more pressing. In this blog, we'll discuss the various factors and scenarios that can help you decide whether you should schedule a roofing or siding replacement first.
The Purpose of Roofing and Siding
As mentioned, both roofing and siding are crucial for the performance of a home's exterior. They're two of the core materials when it comes to residential construction, and it's important that they're in great condition.
Your roofing primarily serves as a barrier from precipitation. It protects the internal components of your home from becoming weather-damaged and ensures your family's safety. In addition, roofing contributes to the structural integrity of the home. Finally, it can provide insulation and energy-efficient benefits.
Siding is more designed to protect the side components and framing of the home, things like insulation, drywall, and framing. It prevents weather from finding its way in and also aids in efficiency. When it comes to visual appeal, siding has a much larger impact than the roofing.
How to Choose Between Roofing and Siding: Factors to Consider
There is no clear-cut answer when deciding which type of installation is right for your home. Every family will have different experiences, needs, and levels of wear. Analyzing some of the factors below can help you determine whether it's better to invest in new roofing or siding first:
- Age of the Materials: If you're replacing you're roofing or siding because of normal wear and tear, age is an important number to consider. Choose to replace the material that is the most outdated, as it is more likely to fail prematurely.
- Weather Considerations: You'll want to think about your local climate and what your exterior needs are. If you live in an area with lots of precipitation or snow, it's good to prioritize the roofing. In a place with high humidity but less precipitation, siding may be a better option.
- Your Family's Budget: Cost is one of the primary factors that drive a family's remodeling decisions. You'll have to carefully consider what your family's budget is and speak with your roofing and siding company to get estimates for each installation.
- Insulation: Have you been experiencing more draftiness in your home or higher utility bills? If you've noticed either, you'll want to figure out what the source of energy loss is and choose the roofing or siding installation to help with it. Long-term return on investment of each product can also help you decide which is best.
- Curb Appeal: Looks matter. If you're primarily upgrading your exterior for visual reasons, siding may be the better choice for your home. New siding stands out in the neighborhood and provides a gorgeous aesthetic.
Is Roofing or Siding Better for Home Value?
It's important for you to invest in your home's exterior to preserve its value. This is especially the case if you're attempting to sell your home. Both the roofing and siding can contribute to the value of a home, but in different ways. If you're thinking of upgrading either before putting your home on the market, you'll want to consider what type of value it provides over anything else.
If improving curb appeal is your top priority, new siding is likely the better option. It creates a great first impression and assures the potential buyer that the home is well cared for. If structural integrity or inspections are more of a concern, roofing is the way to go. If you have any questions about the value of either, ask your realtor what their recommendations would be.
When is Roofing an Absolute Priority?
There are some instances where you will have to upgrade the roofing, no matter what your preferences are. Roofing is extremely important for the structural integrity of the home, so neglecting it can lead to serious issues.
If you notice any immediate signs of extreme damage, choosing roofing over the siding is completely necessary. Look for things like missing roofing materials, severe water leaks, or structural damage. Another reason why you'll want to opt for a roof over the siding is if it's past its life expectancy. At that point, you're just asking for issues. Finally, consider roofing if you're selling your home and an inspection could find some serious issues that hurt the value.
When is Siding an Absolute Priority?
Siding is the best decision when your home needs a serious visual uplift. Old, degraded siding can harm the curb appeal of the home drastically. Another reason why you'll want to choose siding over roofing is if the energy efficiency of your home is severely lacking. New siding makes much more of an impact on the insulation, draftiness, and utility bills of a home than a new roofing installation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, both roofing and siding are major parts of a home's exterior that will need to be periodically upgraded to achieve maximum performance. Weaknesses with either can seriously harm your home's performance, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
However, if your home could benefit from both, your family might have to decide on just one. This blog served as a guide to help you think about the different situations in which roofing for siding are a priority. By following some of the tips outlined here, you can trust that your home will be well-protected and visually appealing, while still retaining its value.
If you're ready to get started with either installation, trust our professional team at Midwest Construction to be there to help. We are the Des Moines area's top roofing and siding company, and we'd be pleased to provide a stunning renovation. We've been in business in the area since 1958, are accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, and are proudly family-owned. Reach out to us today to learn more about any of our exterior remodeling services and to get a free home estimate for your next project.
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